JESSICA! Huzzah, huzzah! Can't wait!! On the semi-serious side, it sounds as though sweeping YA cobwebs out of your head contributed to the novel's growth spurt and (dare we say it?) maturity. The marketing people have long loved the "YA" classification, but F and SF generally do best when they ignore the distinction.
Ellen, you can't know how much, by sheer serendipity, the bio of City Year is both useful and inspiring. And fascinating that Katherine transposes into Alec's role of bringing a relative into Society.
If you're the Jim I had lunch with in NYC with your daughter, then no: everything you've ever told me about my books has been exactly what I hoped someone would notice about them, pretty much. Not that others aren't welcome to read them however they want to . . . but it's always nice to be seen.
Funny, but just tonight I had dinner with clients who have an 8 and 10-year-old. I've not read your YA mentioned in the OP but I told them that their daughter, 8, should read your books when she's a little older. I think she's too young to fully understand the relationships now.
And, honestly, I do stop to think from time to time, while working on my WIP, about just how you do some of the things you do. The only other writer who has provoked a similar response is Roger Zelazny.
That feeling of thinking you were pretty much done, in your OP, then finding out, "Ooops, no." is something I got after the last critique of my third draft. The fourth isn't finished but it's *so* much a better book now.
Hi - I loved that you referenced Dorothy Dunnett, one of my favorite authors. Her writing, and her attention to historical detail are both amazing, and who wouldn't be in love with Francis Crawford? Meanwhile, I'm very curious as to how my name got on your mailing list. Any idea? (Not that I am in any way objecting!)
Hi! I have no idea how, but according to Substack you've been subscribed since June 2021. Maybe we encountered one another on Facebook or Twitter, both being Dunnett fans?
Hm. Fascinating - but who knows how these things work? Oh, perhaps because I streamed the British Library event? That was fun. Anyway, it's always fun to hear what you're up to, and progress on a new novel is always welcome news. Thanks! (Now I shall have to find you on FB.)
All the Other Places have proved so disappointing, one by one . . . . It's why people kept urging me to get started here! Glad to know they weren't wrong.
Just let us know when we can pre-order the new novel.
Believe me - you'll be among the first to know!
JESSICA! Huzzah, huzzah! Can't wait!! On the semi-serious side, it sounds as though sweeping YA cobwebs out of your head contributed to the novel's growth spurt and (dare we say it?) maturity. The marketing people have long loved the "YA" classification, but F and SF generally do best when they ignore the distinction.
There was a Golden Age of YA Fantasy - but it didn't last long!
Thank you, Susanna. Your insights are always so true.
Ellen, you can't know how much, by sheer serendipity, the bio of City Year is both useful and inspiring. And fascinating that Katherine transposes into Alec's role of bringing a relative into Society.
Jim, you will never stop being my Ideal Reader. I don't know how you do it, but I'm grateful.
???? I'm your Ideal Reader?
Umm, thank you. I had no idea. Is there another Jim you're mistaking me for?
If you're the Jim I had lunch with in NYC with your daughter, then no: everything you've ever told me about my books has been exactly what I hoped someone would notice about them, pretty much. Not that others aren't welcome to read them however they want to . . . but it's always nice to be seen.
Ah. I am honored.
Funny, but just tonight I had dinner with clients who have an 8 and 10-year-old. I've not read your YA mentioned in the OP but I told them that their daughter, 8, should read your books when she's a little older. I think she's too young to fully understand the relationships now.
And, honestly, I do stop to think from time to time, while working on my WIP, about just how you do some of the things you do. The only other writer who has provoked a similar response is Roger Zelazny.
That feeling of thinking you were pretty much done, in your OP, then finding out, "Ooops, no." is something I got after the last critique of my third draft. The fourth isn't finished but it's *so* much a better book now.
Back to my 40 minutes.
Hi - I loved that you referenced Dorothy Dunnett, one of my favorite authors. Her writing, and her attention to historical detail are both amazing, and who wouldn't be in love with Francis Crawford? Meanwhile, I'm very curious as to how my name got on your mailing list. Any idea? (Not that I am in any way objecting!)
Hi! I have no idea how, but according to Substack you've been subscribed since June 2021. Maybe we encountered one another on Facebook or Twitter, both being Dunnett fans?
Anyway, welcome! I'm glad you're here.
Hm. Fascinating - but who knows how these things work? Oh, perhaps because I streamed the British Library event? That was fun. Anyway, it's always fun to hear what you're up to, and progress on a new novel is always welcome news. Thanks! (Now I shall have to find you on FB.)
There’s lots I didn’t know about you in this SubStack post, so thank you.
Glad we have a chance to catch up here!
Having been along for the ride since Livejournal back in the day, it just feels right to see you in this space.
Thanks for saying so.
::sigh:: We all miss LiveJournal, don't we?
I’ve been hoping to see you more here on Substack, since I’m so rarely on that other place any more. Looking forward to the new novel!
All the Other Places have proved so disappointing, one by one . . . . It's why people kept urging me to get started here! Glad to know they weren't wrong.
I'll keep you posted on the new novel, thanks!